Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe
There is nothing quite like starting your day with a bright and flavorful pastry that feels both indulgent and fresh. This Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe offers an irresistible combination of tangy lemon, rich cream cheese, and sweet blueberry preserves wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and flaky textures that will brighten any breakfast or brunch table. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just treating yourself on a slow weekend morning, this recipe is sure to become a beloved go-to treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward creating this delightful danish, and you’ll find that each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect harmony of flavor and texture. From the buttery puff pastry that forms the delicate layers to the zesty lemon accents that add a refreshing brightness, these ingredients come together simply but powerfully.
- Puff pastry sheet: Provides the flaky, buttery base that gives the danish its signature texture.
- Cream cheese: Adds creamy richness and a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness.
- Fresh lemon zest: Brings a vibrant citrus aroma that awakens the senses.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling smoothly and is also used in the glaze.
- Blueberry preserves: Delivers sweet, fruity bursts that contrast beautifully with the lemon.
- Egg and water (egg wash): Helps achieve a glossy, golden crust on the pastry.
- Fresh lemon juice: Enhances the glaze with a bright, tart finish.
How to Make Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup effortless. Unfold your puff pastry sheet and slice it in half lengthwise. If your pastry is perforated, a gentle roll will unify it into one long piece, ready to be layered into the danish masterpiece. Having the pastry halved perfectly sets the stage for those luscious cream cheese and blueberry layers.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, fresh lemon zest, and powdered sugar with a hand mixer until the mixture is dreamy, smooth, and creamy. This luscious filling will provide a tangy and sweet contrast to the blueberries while keeping the whole pastry delightfully moist inside.
Step 3: Assemble the Danish
On one piece of the puff pastry, spread the cream cheese filling generously, leaving a border around the edges for sealing. Then spoon the blueberry preserves evenly over the cream cheese layer, ensuring you get bursts of berry flavor in every bite. Brush the borders of the puff pastry with the egg wash to make sure it seals tightly when topped.
Step 4: Seal and Chill
Place the other puff pastry piece on top and gently press around the edges to seal the filling inside. To help the cream cheese firm up for baking, refrigerate the assembled danish for 20 to 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial for preventing the filling from oozing out during baking and helps keep those beautiful layers crisp.
Step 5: Bake Your Danish
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Before placing the danish in the oven, brush the entire top with the egg wash for that irresistible golden shine. Make a few small slits in the top pastry to allow steam to escape while baking—this helps maintain the flaky layers. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the danish is puffed and golden brown, filling your kitchen with an amazing aroma.
Step 6: Prepare and Add the Lemon Glaze
While the danish cools, whip up the lemon glaze by whisking together the freshly grated lemon zest, lemon juice, and powdered sugar in a bowl until silky smooth. If it’s too thick, add a splash of lemon juice or milk to reach your desired consistency. Drizzle this zesty glaze over the slightly cooled danish, adding a glossy, tangy finish that ties all the flavors together perfectly.
How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes elevates the visual appeal and flavor profile of your danish. Sprinkle a little extra lemon zest on top or scatter a few fresh blueberries to echo the filling. A sprig of mint can add a pop of green and a subtle herbaceous note, making each serving look as incredible as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe pairs beautifully with a light, citrusy fruit salad or a refreshing glass of iced herbal tea. For a more indulgent brunch, serve alongside creamy scrambled eggs or even a cup of rich coffee with a splash of vanilla creamer to complement the danish’s lemony sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch spread or special occasion, consider slicing the danish into smaller squares for an elegant appetizer or dessert platter. You can also serve the danish warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert. Arrange it on a wooden board with fresh fruit and a honey drizzle to impress guests with a rustic yet refined look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours to keep the pastry crisp. Beyond that, refrigeration will extend freshness but may slightly soften the crisp layers—simply warm before serving to revive the texture.
Freezing
You can freeze any unbaked assembled danish for up to one month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and proceed with baking as directed for fresh-out-of-the-oven goodness on your schedule.
Reheating
To reheat your danish, gently warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. This method crisps the puff pastry back to perfection without drying out the creamy filling. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the pastry soggy and chewy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of preserves?
Absolutely! Use fresh or frozen blueberries cooked down with a little sugar to create your own preserves, or simply use warmed frozen blueberries thickened with cornstarch for a similar fruity layer.
Is it necessary to chill the assembled danish before baking?
Yes, chilling helps the cream cheese firm up so the filling stays inside and the pastry layers bake evenly without becoming soggy or leaky.
Can I make this danish vegan or dairy-free?
With some substitutions like plant-based cream cheese and vegan puff pastry, you can absolutely make a dairy-free version. Just be sure your egg wash is swapped out for a plant-based alternative like almond milk or a flaxseed wash.
How long will the danish stay fresh after baking?
For the best flavor and texture, enjoy your danish within 24 hours. After that, freshness declines, but reheating can help revive it for up to 2 days.
What is the best way to achieve a shiny, golden crust?
The egg wash is key—brush it on before baking to create that irresistible shine and ensure the puff pastry grills to a perfect golden brown.
Final Thoughts
There is something so joyful about baking and sharing this Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe with friends and family. Its bright, fresh flavors combined with the flaky pastry always bring smiles and requests for seconds. Give it a try—it’s a simple way to bring sunshine and sweetness into any morning and make your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery. Your taste buds will thank you for it!
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Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish is a delightful pastry combining flaky puff pastry with a creamy lemon-infused cream cheese filling and sweet blueberry preserves. Topped with a zesty lemon glaze, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen
Filling
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- â…“ cup blueberry preserves or jam
Egg Wash
- 1 egg + 1 teaspoon water, beaten together
Lemon Glaze
- 1 lemon, zest freshly grated
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Place a sheet of parchment paper on a baking sheet. Slice the puff pastry in half lengthwise. If using perforated puff pastry, roll it out slightly to create one long sheet. Keep one piece of puff pastry on the parchment paper.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: Beat together the softened cream cheese, lemon zest, and powdered sugar until creamy and smooth using a hand mixer.
- Assemble Danish: Spread the cream cheese mixture in the center of one slice of puff pastry, leaving a border around the edges. Spoon the blueberry jam over the cream cheese mixture. Use the egg wash to brush the border of the puff pastry. Place the other slice of puff pastry on top, pressing down the edges to seal.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled Danish for 20 to 30 minutes to help the cream cheese firm up before baking.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Egg Wash and Slit: Brush the entire puff pastry with the egg wash. Slice a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Bake: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before applying the glaze.
- Prepare Lemon Glaze: Whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, and powdered sugar in a bowl until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more lemon juice or milk, one teaspoon at a time, if the glaze is too thick.
- Glaze Danish: Drizzle the lemon glaze evenly over the cooled Danish and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is well chilled before assembling to maintain flakiness.
- Use fresh lemon zest for the best flavor in both the filling and glaze.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative.
- Allow the Danish to cool completely before glazing to prevent the icing from melting.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
